Today's Devotion: For Everything There is a Season
“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven” Eccl.3:1
It seems we are in a season of transitions at St. Luke’s. Along with other staff changes we recently announced, I learned last week from Bishop Tracy Smith Malone that Dr. Jevon Caldwell-Gross will be appointed full-time to a conference position as the Director of Church Revitalization and New Development starting August 1. “Dr. J” has been at St. Luke’s since July 2018 and during his time has worn several hats, overseeing online learning, digital communications, teaching pastor, and other responsibilities, but what he may be most remembered for is being a preacher extraordinaire!
Part of St. Luke’s mission has been to help launch servants into opportunities that serve the greater needs of the United Methodist Church. This announcement is in keeping with this aim and tradition of our church. Right now, people who once served at St. Luke’s are now serving as pastors of Grace UMC, South Bend; First UMC Marion; Zionsville UMC; Noblesville UMC; Cumberland UMC, Indy; Pine Isle UMC, FL; and many other positions of ministry in our conference and beyond.
Bishop Malone offered these words to us in announcing this new assignment:
“As we live more fully into our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, I have identified church revitalization and new church development as core missional priorities for the Indiana Conference, believing that God is calling us to both transformation and renewal of our existing congregations and to create new faith communities with new people in new places. We need a leader who understands both the challenges and the opportunities for this missional work in this new ministry era. Rev. Dr. Jevon Caldwell-Gross brings to this role, vision and energy for this vital work, proven strategic leadership, a wealth of pastoral experience, a heart for innovation, and a passion for helping churches rediscover their “why” and for reaching new people with the good news of Jesus Christ.”
While I, and I’m sure all of you, feel a sense of loss by this announcement, it is hard not to be excited for Pastor Jevon. As he shared, “I have always believed that the local church is God’s greatest tool for transformation in the world. This new role as Director of Church Revitalization and New Development allows me to live into my calling in a new way—to walk alongside churches with compassion, creativity, and courage as they discover new life and renewed purpose. I’m deeply grateful to St. Luke’s for the ways you have affirmed and nurtured my gifts, and for allowing me to serve among you. The lessons learned and relationships built here will go with me as I step into this next season of ministry.”
Pastor Jevon has been a brilliant leader whose voice, care, and presence will leave a lasting legacy, particularly in the area of leadership development and justice. His last Sunday will be July 13, when we will also have a celebration of Pastor Jevon’s ministry before he begins his new appointment on August 1.
To help us during this time, we are very fortunate to announce that Dr. Aleze Fulbright will be assisting us as an Interim Pastor. She is no stranger to St. Luke’s, having served as the Central Conference Superintendent for six years prior to her election last year and her episcopal appointment as the Secretary of the General Conference. The timing works well in that she is making space to help us in leading worship, preaching, and providing ministerial support as needed. Dr. Fulbright will be assisting in the traditional service this Sunday.
Yes, there is a season for everything under heaven. Obviously, we are in a season of change, which, if we hold to the truths of Ecclesiastes 3, means God is moving. That movement may feel disruptive, but if God is moving, there is always a trail of grace left behind. So, as we stay on the trail, let God lead, and follow as close as we can, goodness will prevail.